Xiamen Seafood and Specialty Dishes: Fresh and Flavorful Coastal Cuisine

Xiamen offers a variety of fresh seafood delicacies, including Xiamen Fish Balls, Clam Soup, Grilled Squid, Sea Urchin, Shrimp with Garlic, and Xiamen-Style Crab, providing seafood lovers with a rich and flavorful culinary experience.

Xiamen’s coastal location means it boasts an array of fresh seafood dishes that are an essential part of the city’s cuisine. Whether you’re dining in a local restaurant or picking something from a bustling seafood market, here are some must-try seafood delicacies in Xiamen:

1. Xiamen Fish Balls (厦门鱼丸)

These tender and flavorful fish balls are a beloved local dish. Made from fish paste, they are skillfully shaped into smooth balls and boiled in a savory broth, often served with noodles or rice. The texture of the fish balls is delicate, and the broth is rich and aromatic, making it a great dish for lunch or dinner.

2. Clam Soup (蛤蜊汤)

Fresh, sweet, and briny, Clam Soup is a popular Xiamen dish that’s often served as a starter or light meal. The clams are simmered with ginger, garlic, and spring onions, and the result is a broth that's both refreshing and nourishing.

3. Grilled Squid (烤鱿鱼)

If you’re looking for a quick and satisfying snack, Grilled Squid is a popular choice. The squid is marinated with a blend of spices and grilled to perfection, creating a smoky and savory flavor. The squid is often served with a drizzle of sauce and a sprinkle of chili powder, making it both flavorful and spicy.

4. Xiamen Sea Urchin (海胆)

A delicacy of the region, Sea Urchin is often served raw in the shell, paired with a light soy sauce or wasabi. Known for its creamy texture and delicate oceanic flavor, it’s a must-try for seafood lovers.

5. Shrimp with Garlic (蒜蓉虾)

Succulent shrimp are stir-fried with a garlic-based sauce, making this dish a flavorful option. The shrimp are cooked until tender, and the garlic adds a savory depth to the dish, making it irresistible.

6. Xiamen-Style Crab (厦门螃蟹)

A seasonal treat, Xiamen-Style Crab is often served steamed or boiled with a mix of spices, giving the meat a rich, sweet flavor. The crabs are fresh from the nearby seas, making this a seafood experience that’s hard to match.

In Xiamen, cuisine is beyond the enjoyment of the taste of the tongue, it is also a profound experience of the island's culture


If interested in more Xiamen cuisine, plz contact us to customized a Cuisine Experience Tour for you.

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Reviewed on April 29,2025
Shopping on Nanjing Road in Shanghai was just amazing! It's truly the "First Commercial Street of China", where tradition and modernity blend perfectly. You can find awesome souvenirs and experience the trendy vibes in cool stores. The neon lights at night are just spectacular, shining bright like Times Square in New York. The food here is incredible too. I had a feast for my taste buds. Shanghai, I'll definitely be back!
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As a solo traveler from Canada, I was nervous about navigating China alone—but this 11-day tour was PERFECT! From hiking the Great Wall at sunrise (Day 3) to gasping at the Terracotta Army (Day 5), every day delivered ‘pinch-me’ moments. The real showstopper? Zhangjiajie’s Avatar Mountains (Day 7)! Our guide made the stone pillars come alive with stories. Massive thanks for handling all logistics—bullet train tickets, entry passes, car! And the 4-star hotels surprised me.
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Our 2-day Zhangjiajie tour was beyond spectacular! As someone who’s visited Beijing and Shanghai for work, this trip revealed China’s wild, magical heart. Day 1 in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park felt like stepping onto Pandora—I’m a huge Avatar fan, and Yuanjiajie’s floating peaks left me breathless. The misty pillars and lush valleys like pure movie magic! Then came Fenghuang Ancient Town, we eat dinner beside the thundering waterfall. It seems Unreal! The night views of stilt houses glowing over the river were straight from a fairy tale. For fellow Avatar lovers and adventure seekers: Don’t miss this bucket-list experience! 10/10 would return. A Well-Traveled Film Buff, May 2025
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